Few vegetable seasons draw as much excitement as that of the asparagus.
From February to June (with a peak in April), restaurants and foodies clamor to make the most of this delicious spring vegetable, low in calories and sodium and packed with a variety of nutrients, including an impressive 5 grams of protein per cup. Eaten fresh, grilled, sautéed, baked, pickled and more, the asparagus is both versatile and beneficial to the body.
Asparagus Spring Rolls with Sweet Red Chili Dipping Sauce
18
servingsStore-bought chili sauce adds a dash of spiciness to these sweet and simple spring rolls.
Ingredients
- 1 lb.
asparagus
- 3/4 cup
fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 cup
cilantro leaves
- 1
mango or papaya
fresh ginger, 2-inch piece
- 1/2 cup
red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup
cup dry roasted, salted peanuts, chopped
- 2 cups
fresh bean sprouts
- 8 inch
Vietnamese dried rice paper spring roll wrappers, 6 to 8 sheets
- 1/4 cup
store-bought sweet chili sauce
juice of 1 lime
Directions
Blanche asparagus in boiling salted water until tender to the bite (about 5 minutes).
Peel and julienne mango or papaya and ginger, then julienne bell pepper. Set aside with remaining ingredients.
To assemble, fill a large bowl with hot water. Working with one wrapper at a time, slip rice paper wrapper into water until pliable (about 1 minute). Place wrapper on cutting board.
In the center, put 3 to 4 asparagus spears, 3 to 4 mango or papaya slices, 3 to 4 pepper slices, a few tablespoons of sprouts, 2 tablespoons herbs (mint and cilantro), and a sprinkling of ginger and peanuts.
Roll the paper tightly from the bottom up, leaving the ends open.
Set aside and cover with a damp towel. Finish with remaining wrappers. When ready to serve, slice wrappers into 3 segments each and stand upright on a serving platter.
- For Sauce:
Mix chili sauce and lime juice together. Serve alongside the rolls as a dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories—59 | Total Fat—3g | Saturated Fat—0g | Sodium—56mg | Carbohydrate—6g | Dietary Fiber—2g | Sugar—3g | Protein—3g
Facts about Asparagus
Cooking Tip:
Use waterless cooking methods (roasting, grilling, or stir-frying) to get the most out of the nutrients and antioxidants in asparagus.
Nutrition Breakdown per 1 Cup of Cooked Asparagus
- 32 Calories
- 5 Grams of Protein
- 180% Daily Value of Vitamin K
- 73% Daily Value of Vitamin C
- 60% Daily Value of Folate
- 29% Daily Value of Vitamin A
